Northern Virginia Guitar Lessons Dedicated to beginner & intermediate acoustic guitar 703-406-4698 DJohnson@roiwebsites.com

Dirk Johnson, Guitar Instructor	Solo Melody Guitar Playing - What it is, and isn't! It is a bit unfortunate that, in the eyes of the general public, guitar playing has become somewhat synonymous with the rock star axe-slinger who plays scorched-earth electric guitar solos. Or the other scenario is the acoustic guitar player who simply strums along to accompany their own or a band-mate's vocals. But there is another way to play the guitar that is neither of the above, and it is practiced by tens of thousands of guitar players every day, for their own enjoyment and for their listeners. It is called "solo melody guitar". It's all about using the guitar as the only instument (i.e. solo), and the player plays familiar tunes or even original compositions in an interesting, engaging way, without vocals. Imagine playing tunes for your friends and family on your back porch on a cool summer evening, while they listen and chat among themselves. It's hard to beat. Or maybe this style is played at an open mic, a happy hour, a cocktal party or dinner party gig. For the audience, there is no need to "sit and listen" to someome singing, so it is not intrusive. Neverthless, people ARE listening, and enjoying, while they also do what they do. The songs played in this genre range all they way from old time mountain music classics and Celtic traditional, to pop standards, blues fingertyle, fiddle tunes, jazz standards, and much more. The available repertoire is just about endless. It's a very pleasant and rewarding way to play the guitar, and you can do it just about anywhere, anytime, alone, or with other people. Even while you watch TV...:) There's no need for a band, or amplifiers, or other encumberances that are necessary with other guitar styles. You just pick up an acoustic guitar, and do it. Do you want to see some real pros playing solo melody guitar? Then have a look at these videos (Ok,some are duets, but...): Guitar Boogie by Tommy Emmanuel. Doc Watson Playing Black Mountain Rag Mark Knopfler & Chet Atkins - Instrumental Medley (Imagine, by John Lennon, is second song in this video, and worth the wait...) You don't need to be a professional to play solo melody guitar. You just start by playing simple melodies, then you learn to embellish them with more style as you your skills develop. It's easy and rewarding to learn to play in this style. That's what I teach, especially to beginners. Send me an email or give me a call, and we'll discuss your goals, and how I might help.	More Info: Why Most Beginner Guitar Books Are Not for Beginners Your First Lesson for Solo Melody - For the adult beginner Your First Lesson for Vocal Accompaniment - For the adult beginner Intermediate-level Lessons - For players in a rut! Learning Paths: Students select a learning path that fits their goals. Solo Melody Guitar - what it is, and isn't Vocal Accompaniment - how to play guitar while singing How to Measure Your Progress - keeping it all in perspective.
I focus on teaching ADULT and YOUTH BEGINNERS (age 12 and up) how to play ACOUSTIC GUITAR in many of the popular "roots" styles, such as fingerstyle blues, and chord melody and flatpicking. I teach pop tunes, acoustic rock, jazz balads, coutry blues, country, and folk styles. I also teach my students how to play at jams and open mics, and how to improve their vocal accompaniment on guitar. VOCAL ACCOMPANIMENT COACHING has become one of my main teaching specialties. I help singers and songwriters improve their guitar skills, which makes their repertoire more interesting and entertaining. BUT...THERE IS NO NEED TO SING! - I can teach you how to enjoy the guitar as a solo instrument, with no vocals.

• Even during your first lesson with me, you will play the guitar. You will learn proper strumming, picking and fretboard fingering exercises that you will apply and practice from that point forward. Then we build on it.
  
  
• We'll learn to read tab (tablature), chord charts, and some music notation and chord notation.
  
  
• We'll focus on songs, not "excercises". Yoiu will learn to play easy, timeless songs that you can build upon. We'll turn many of them into "performance pieces" over time. You will build a foundation repertoire of songs that you like, and that your friends and family will appreciate, and recognize.
  
  
• Most beginner "adult" guitar books start out with chords. That's a recipe for total frustration. I'll introduce you to chords gradually. So that your fingers learn to fly in formation.
  
  
• We'll use a metronome, starting on day one, so that a strong sense of rhythm and proper timing becomes second nature. When you can play with a metronome, you can play with confidence, in a band or at a jam.
  
  
• We'll explore music theory. You will gradually understand keys, song structures, musical styles (blues, country, jazz, etc.) and the chord variations that make music interesting.
  
  
• I can introduce you to the music of "world class" acoustic guitar players. By listening to them, I'll teach you how to learn from them, even if we can't duplicate their technical skills. Plus, it's great music to listen to while you work or relax.
  
  
• I'll customize your learning repertoire to reflect your own musical taste and goals. I'll steer you away from music that you are not yet ready to play, and toward songs that you can.
  
  
• I'll teach you how to play in a "jam" environment, play for friends and family and at open mics. I've overcome a great deal of "stage fright" and self-doubt. It's a process. You can learn it, too.
  

Playing guitar does take practice, and there is inevitable frustration, but it should always be fun, even when it's challenging. If it's not fun, you're doing it wrong!

Having guidance along the way is the key. As your instructor, I'm also your coach, sounding board and advisor on this journey. I'll also learn from you, as we explore your own musical goals.

I love to play guitar and play music with other people. I enjoy teaching others to do the same. I'll pass it on to you!

If you are truly a fan of acoustic music, and you want to play it, instead of just listen, let's explore this together.

Styles That I Teach

I can teach you to play music in any of the following styles:

Please note that I do not play electric "lead guitar" style or electric blues. I like it. But I don't play it or teach it.

Guitar players who have influenced me

From this list, you will get a sense of my own style of playing. As you can see, it covers many genres, but it is all very acoustic-focused.

In no particular order, and a partial list:

It makes good sense to work with an instructor that fits with your own musical taste. If you also like the kind of acoustic music mentioned above, then we'll definitely have fun while we learn!

Rates and Teaching Locations

I am neither the least expensive nor the most expensive guitar teacher in Northern VA. However, for the complete beginner or frustrated intermediate that appreciates acoustic music and wants to pursue it seriously, I am probably the right teacher who will get you on track.

I will earn my fee, by fast-tracking your approach, through proper fundamental advice and genuine support and understanding of your goals and customizing the lesson to your goals.

My rates vary according to time and location.

I prefer to teach in my home studio in the Sterling/Countryside subdivision. I have full access to my teaching resources there. I can come to your house, but there is a significant travel premium.

Youth students under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all lessons! No exceptions.

MY TEACHING RATES:

• My location, Weekday business hours ONLY (10 AM through 5 PM) - $55 per lesson
  Lessons are typically more than an hour, plus, every fifth lesson at my location is always FREE, so my daytime hourly rate averages about $44 per hour. This rate applies only at my location in Sterling/Countryside (map).
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• My location, Weekday Evenings & Weekends
  
  My apologies, but I am currently BOOKED FULL for Weeknights and Weeekends. Changes do occur, so please contact me to be placed on a short waiting list.
  
  
• At Your Location of Choice, Weekdays during Business Hours - Per lesson rates vary, according to the travel time required and time of day. "My location" lessons carry an additional charge above standard rates, and the "free fifth lesson" does not apply. Please provide your lesson location for a rate quote.
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• Gift Certificates! - The gift of guitar lessons is one of the greatest gifts of all! We can arrange a special rate for a package of lessons, or a single lesson trial. It's your choice.
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